The history of the Supreme Court since 1953 has been one of unpredictability, due to Republican “Maverick” Appointments, who surprise conservatives who thought having a Republican President insured their narrow minded views of the Constitution and the law.
America has been fortunate that every Republican President from Dwight D. Eisenhower to Donald Trump has made an appointment that surprised the nation, and promoted social progress long term.
Eisenhower appointed Chief Justice Earl Warren and Associate Justice William Brennan.
Richard Nixon appointed Chief Justice Warren Burger and Associate Justice Harry Blackmun.
Gerald Ford appointed Associate Justice John Paul Stevens.
Ronald Reagan appointed Associate Justices Sandra Day O’Connor and Anthony Kennedy.
George H. W. Bush appointed Associate Justice David Souter.
George W. Bush appointed Chief Justice John Roberts.
Donald Trump appointed Associate Justice Neil Gorsuch.
So ten appointments in the past two thirds of a century have made a dramatic difference in so many ways, including racial integration, school prayer, abortion rights, ObamaCare, gay rights, and other significant areas.